A 1,300-year-old gold strip bearing the name of Wu Zetian – China's sole female emperor – is captivating historians and visitors at Henan Museum. Unearthed in 1982 from Mount Songshan's rocky crevices, this palm-sized artifact offers rare insights into the political and spiritual world of the Tang Dynasty's most controversial ruler.
Emperor's Hidden Message
The inscribed gold tablet, used in ancient mountain worship rituals, reveals Wu Zetian's strategic use of religious symbolism to consolidate power. Museum curator Dr. Li Wei explains: "This wasn't just ceremonial – it was a masterstroke of political theater, blending heaven's mandate with earthly authority."
Wu's 15-year reign (690-705 CE) revolutionized Tang society through educational reforms and merit-based promotions. The relic's discovery near the sacred Songshan mountain underscores her innovative approach to leadership, merging tradition with bold social transformation.
